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Open Burning Regulations in Tennessee: What you Need to Know

March 7, 2024September 4, 2013 by The Parke Company

OpenFireRegulations_ParkeCompany_NashvilleTennessee We’re not sure how, but the summer is coming to an end. The retail stores throughout Nashville are slowly stocking up on plastic pumpkins, Halloween candy and apple cider. Pools will eventually close, nights will cool down and a bonfire will be the new centerpiece of every party. The Parke Company loves a great shindig; however, it’s important to know all the ins and outs of outdoor burning (from bonfires to burning brush) within the state of Tennessee.

But the number one rule before you burn: Contact your local authorities to see what permits and guidelines are necessary before burning. Though the state department has general guidelines to follow when you begin open fires, it’s crucial to double check with local authorities for any additional guidelines or required permits. Lack of preparation or permit can result in a fine or even damage to you and your property. It’s important to be educated on your local rules, whether it’s a recreation bonfire or a brush pile of limbs. Other guidelines include:

Let your neighbors and local authorities know you plan to burn.
Supervise the burn closely.
Supervise any children.
Bonfires need to be at least 50 feet away from anything that can burn such as trees and overhead limbs. Recreational fires (campfires or fire pits) need to be at least 25 feet away.
Don’t burn on windy, dry days.
When burning, have a hose or a bucket of water nearby. Never use gasoline or other flammable substances.
Extinguish the fire completely.
Call 911 immediately if the fire gets out of control.

Whether you’re prepping for a party or just getting rid of some old brush, it’s important to do a little research beforehand. It’s OK not to know where to begin. If the Parke Company doesn’t know your local regulations, they will do their best to direct you to someone who does. Though local regulations still apply, contained firepits from your local home improvement store are great alternatives for open fires. The Parke Company services Middle Tennessee, including Nashville, Cool Springs, Franklin and Madison.

For additional information on Nashville Metro’s guideline’s click here. You can also contact the Nashville Fire Marshal at (615) 862-5421 or the Codes Department at (615) 862-6500 for additional information. Be safe out there, everyone!

April Showers and Lightning Damage

March 7, 2024September 1, 2013 by The Parke Company

parke-company-emergency-services-tree-landscape-irrigation-maintenance-blog-April-Showers-and-Lightning-Damage April showers bring May flowers, right? Well, unfortunately they can also bring lightning damage, particularly on your trees. Nashvillians are patiently waiting while the multiple storms pass through the Middle Tennessee area, but it’s important to understand the signs of damaged trees and limbs as they come barrelling through. Trees are incredibly susceptible to lightning and should be monitored regularly by the Parke Company’s certified arborists.

Trees are especially vulnerable to lightning damage because of their height. Trees isolated on hills, near water, vast lawns, landscapes or in fields are even more likely to be struck. And depending on the severity, lightning strikes can completely destroy your tree. (In which case, emergency tree care is necessary.) But there are times when trees are damaged and it’s hard to determine if it’s due to lightning because the symptoms do not manifest until weeks later. That’s why it’s important to call a certified arborist who will be able to assist you with proper tree care and guide you in a treatment plan for the affected tree.

Symptoms of lightning damage include:

Your tree dies within a few days or weeks after being struck
Your tree loses its leaves unexpectedly
Sunken or “dead” spots appear along the trunk or branches
Cracks develop down the side of the trunk

Trees are rather vulnerable to lightning so it’s important to protect them, especially if they are protected or historic trees. The Parke Company can install protective measures for your trees to decrease the likelihood of damage from a lightning strike. This is especially important if trees are near your home or business. However, these are difficult systems and should not be done without a professional arborist. In order to ensure long-term protection and correct installation, call the Parke Company and speak with a certified professional about installing one in your landscape.

Tree care doesn’t just stop with check-ups and evaluations. If you notice that your trees have symptoms of lightning damage, call the Parke Company to discuss options for tree health care and lightning protection.

Additions to Existing Irrigation Systems in Nashville, TN

March 7, 2024September 1, 2013 by The Parke Company

irrigation-additions-nashville-tn Operating an irrigation system for your property is an involved task. It’s important to know all of your options in order to maintain the quality of your lawn while respecting the limitations of your budget. Sometimes, an entire renovation of the existing irrigation system is necessary. However, a lot of times it’s appropriate to just provide the system with irrigation additions, which can increase the lifespan. Here are some add-ons to consider:

Rain Sensors: Poorly programed sprinklers don’t register rain, which means that your sprinkler will run during a thunderstorm. This an inefficient use of resources and will end up costing you unnecessary dollars on the water bill. Overwatering can also damage the integrity of your lawn. Rain sensors ensure that your lawn is getting the right about of irrigation, not too much and not too little.
Lake Pumps: The Middle Tennessee area holds many lakes and waterways. If your plot is near a natural water source you can use that resource to irrigate the lawn. Lawn pumps can be installed after the fact and can work to decrease water costs.
Extra Filters: It’s important for irrigation auditors to be mindful of the quality of water that is being released from the sprinkler heads. Some water, depending on the closest water sources, could include unhealthy sediments that could harm the turf or clog the sprinklers. Installing filters can reduce this risk of costly repairs.
Additional Sprinkler Heads: Landscape irrigation systems need to have an appropriate amount of strategically placed sprinkler heads around the lawn. Many factors contribute to the placing of the sprinkler heads: elevation, natural waterways and turf type are just a few. Consider hiring a certified irrigation designer to evaluate the areal view of your lot to determine where more sprinkler heads might be needed.

The Parke Company is equipped to service any additional features needed for your irrigation system. Located in Nashville, Tenn., we service the surrounding Middle Tennessee area and are available for consults and contracted work. Call us today at (615)-207-8390.

Planting Trees: Working Together to Make Nashville More Beautiful

March 7, 2024August 26, 2013 by The Parke Company

Tennessee becomes a bit more beautiful when we plant a new tree. Planting a tree does not have to be saved for Arbor Day or Earth Day either. For many Nashvillians, it’s a great outdoor activity for the family or even organization, especially during the autumn season. Not only can you learn a lot about the basics of planting and treecare, but you’re also learning to appreciate nature. Here are a few simple things to consider if you’re planning to plant your own tree.

Choose the right tree. Nashville is in a planting 6b zone so do some research trees that best fit within the Middle Tennessee environment. It’s probably safe to say that a palm tree will not do well during the bitter months of January if it’s planted outside your house in Franklin. Planting in the autumn is a perfect time of year since the weather begins to cool down and the plant begins its dormancy. However, the roots continue to grow as the tree acclimates to its surroundings. Consider planting native species to the area. If you need help, the folks at the Parke Company have years of knowledge under their belt and will be able to point you in the right direction.

Prepare the area and the tree. Prepare the hole and the tree as instructed for plantation. Whether it’s small or large, each tree is different and should be treated as such. Be sure you have all the proper tools and mulch necessary before planting. If you’re unsure of a step, the Parke Company is there for you for all your tree service needs.

Maintain proper treecare throughout its life. Immediately after the tree is planted, it’s important to water and mulch the tree often. Sometimes putting stakes down are necessary for the new tree until the roots become established within the ground. The treecare of the plant is crucial, especially in the first few years of its life. The Parke Company’s tree service will not only help you find the right tree and help you plant it, but they can also keep it healthy too.

The Parke Company understands the importance of planting trees. (Hey, that’s why they’re in business!) But it can also be a great activity for family or friends if you know how to plant it right. However, if you’re ever in doubt, always feel free to call the Parke Company for professional tree service at (615) 405-6548.

Bison Meadow and The Parke Company: Working Together to Bring Nashville History to Life

March 7, 2024August 18, 2013 by The Parke Company

As part of the Tennessee Bicentennial Project in 1994, The City of Forest Hills established Bison Meadow. Bison Meadow, a mirror of the prairies that once prospered in the state, is filled with wildflowers, trees and Indian grass. Staying true to its history, the 2.5-acre of land is on part of the state’s Natchez Trace and embodies the wild ecosystem that was once there. (Thanks to landscape architect Tara Armistead.) As part of Natchez Trace, bison, elk and other large mammals traveled through this prairie to get to the large salt lick along the Cumberland River.

The Parke Company has since maintained the meadow and kept it true to its history. From the treecare to building the bison topiaries, the Parke Company is steadily involved in the meadow’s upkeep for the last 6 years. Surrounded by dry-stack stonewalls, funded by The Garden Club of Nashville, the meadow maintains a peaceful serenity away from the residential areas of Forest Hills.

While there are no live bison in Bison Meadow, there are shrubs throughout the property shaped like the giant creatures. The metal frames (where the trees grow from) were created by artist Alan LeQuire. When the bison trees were originally sculpted, Hicks yew was used for the topiary. Since then, the Parke Company determined that the yew was not as prosperous for the local growing zone as they hoped. Instead, they’ve deceived to convert to arborvitae, which is much more conducive to this area.

Fast Facts about American Bison:

Heaviest land animals in North America with weights ranging from 950 to 2,200 pounds.
Stand about 5 to 6 1/2 feet tall.
These herbivores are grazers, eating grass, twigs and shrubs. They also regurgitate their food and eat it again before it’s finally digested.
The lifespan of a bison can range from 12 to 20 years.

With the Parke Company’s help with its treecare, Bison Meadow will continue to be an asset of both Nashville and Forest Hill. With so much wildlife and American history behind the meadow, it’s no wonder the Parke Company took on this tree project. Located on the corner of Hillsboro Pike and Tyne Blvd., guests are welcome to visit the meadow, and encouraged to come during different times of year when the wildflowers and trees are blooming.

For additional information about treecare and shrub information, call the Parke Company at (615) 405-6548.